Aquaman
Aquaman is a fantasy action-adventure film from the DC Extended Universe, focusing on Arthur Curry, a half-human, half-Atlantean who discovers his destiny as the rightful heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. The movie follows Arthur's journey as he grapples with his dual heritage and must prevent a war between the surface world and his brother, King Orm, who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms to attack humanity. Guided by Princess Mera and Vulko, Arthur embarks on a quest to find a legendary trident that will prove his claim to the throne and save both worlds. The film is known for its visually stunning underwater sequences, extensive CGI, and fast-paced action, appealing to a broad audience interested in superhero narratives and mythical worlds. Overall, it is generally considered appropriate for older children, teenagers, and adults due to its intense action and fantasy violence.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film features strong and frequent comic-book style violence, including extensive battles, explosions, and confrontations involving various weapons and fantastical creatures. While not overly graphic with blood, the intensity and prevalence of action sequences are significant.
Characters are frequently engaged in intense combat, involving being shot, stabbed, slashed, and impaled with tridents during large-scale battles. A character's hand is cut off, though no blood or gore is explicitly shown. The Trench, a group of demonic, zombie-like, skeletal creatures with jagged teeth, attack in swarms and are depicted as highly frightening and lethal. A house is blown up while people are inside, and major explosions cause widespread damage with people flying through the air.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains numerous frightening elements, including menacing creatures, intense action sequences, and suspenseful moments that could be disturbing for younger viewers.
The movie features highly frightening deep-sea creatures, most notably 'The Trench,' described as demonic, zombie-like, skeletal monsters with jagged teeth that attack in large swarms. Intense scenes include dramatic sea storms, a giant tsunami, and a large shark ramming and cracking an aquarium glass where children are present. King Orm and Black Manta pose significant threats with their aggressive actions and appearance, such as Black Manta's bug-like suit with large glowing red eyes.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie includes mild romantic elements and some suggestive costuming but no explicit sexual activity. There is an implied sexual relationship in the backstory and a passionate kiss.
Queen Atlanna and Thomas the lighthouse keeper share a passionate kiss and are later shown lying in bed together, implying intimacy and resulting in Arthur Curry's birth out of wedlock. The costuming for both male and female characters is hyper-gendered and sexualized; Aquaman (Jason Momoa) is often shirtless, displaying bulging muscles, while Mera wears skin-tight, low-cut outfits that accentuate her figure. There is mild flirtation and a kiss between Aquaman and Mera.
Profanity
MediumThe film contains a moderate amount of profanity, including several mild curse words and frequent uses of terms of deity. The sequel, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom', reportedly includes stronger and more frequent coarse language.
The 2018 film has approximately 20 uses of profanity, including mild language and frequent uses of terms of deity. Examples of language in the 'moderate' category are present. The sequel, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom', increases in severity with words like 'ass,' 'crap,' 'shit,' 'hell,' 'bastard,' 'dick bag,' and a cut-off 'fuck'.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe movie incorporates elements of ancient mythology, magic, and supernatural entities within its fantasy setting, which are often presented as advanced Atlantean technology or ancient powers rather than traditional witchcraft.
The narrative revolves around the quest for the ancient Trident of Atlan, a mythical artifact that grants immense power, which can be perceived as magical. The film features various fantastical sea creatures, including a Kraken-like sea monster that responds to ancient commands, blurring the lines between nature, magic, and technology. The Trench are depicted as demonic, zombie-like creatures, invoking elements of the supernatural and terrifying lore.
Substance Use
MediumAlcohol consumption is depicted, including scenes where characters become intoxicated. No illegal drug use is shown or implied.
Aquaman and other adults are shown drinking alcohol in a bar. In one scene, Aquaman and Mera are shown to be severely intoxicated and behave in a silly manner. The sequel also features Aquaman and his father sharing beers frequently, and other creatures drinking 'strange substances' in a bar.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe main character, Arthur Curry, initially displays a rebellious and disrespectful attitude towards his Atlantean heritage and responsibilities. Some interactions also show a protagonist treating the female lead poorly.
Arthur Curry initially resists accepting his role as the heir to Atlantis, showing defiance towards his Atlantean heritage and the duties associated with it. Aquaman is described as 'consistently treat[ing] Mera like garbage, do[ing] the opposite of what she asks, and insult[ing] her' in some early interactions, which could be seen as disrespectful behavior towards a partner. King Orm's plot to wage war on the surface world represents a significant act of rebellion against the established peace and the norms of coexistence.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe 2018 'Aquaman' movie does not contain explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within its narrative. While the actor Jason Momoa's portrayal has been subject to some 'queer readings' by critics regarding his masculine presentation, these are external interpretations rather than internal film content. Significant LGBTQ+ representation for characters named 'Aquaman' or 'Aqualad' exists in other DC media (comics, animated series) but not in this specific live-action film. The sequel 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' features a transgender and non-binary actor in a supporting role, but the character's storyline is not indicated to be LGBTQ+ focused.
The 2018 'Aquaman' film itself does not present explicit LGBTQ+ content. Discussions of 'queer poses' or Jason Momoa making 'straight men question their sexual orientation' are external critiques of the portrayal rather than direct character arcs. Notably, articles explicitly differentiate the live-action movie's Aquaman from the queer Aquaman/Aqualad (Kaldur'Ahm) in the 'Young Justice: Outsiders' animated series, where Kaldur'Ahm kisses his boyfriend, Wynnde.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes or mockery of Christian beliefs. It incorporates light mythological pagan elements within its fantasy narrative but also includes allegorical Christian themes and a brief scene in a church.
The movie's worldview is described as a 'strong moral worldview [that] promotes courage, fighting evil, love uniting the world, and doing what's right,' with 'strong allegorical Christian content' and 'Christian messages of meekness, sacrifice, fighting for everyone'. Characters briefly seek sanctuary in a church in one scene. While it includes 'light pagan elements' and references to 'the gods,' these are integrated into the fantasy mythology of Atlantis and do not directly oppose or denigrate Christian faith.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for ages 13 and up. The film's PG-13 rating is justified by its frequent intense sci-fi violence, frightening mythical creatures, and some language. Younger children may be disturbed by the visual intensity, prolonged battle sequences, and scary deep-sea monsters.
Additional Notes
The sequel, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' appears to intensify several content concerns, particularly regarding profanity, scary content (more graphic monsters, baby kidnapping), and includes some crude humor not present in the original film. Parents considering the sequel should be aware of these escalated elements.
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